My 4yo yells across the produce section "DAD WHY IS YOUR BELLY SO BIG?" and I'm just standing there in front of everyone like oh cool, this is my life now. Wife is trying not to laugh. I told him it's my food baby and he asked if it was going to come out soon. I need to eat better.

Had his school orientation last week and noticed he goes for those weird limp handshakes when meeting the teachers. Pulled him aside and showed him how to do it right: firm grip, eye contact, brief but confident. His principal noticed at the end of the day and even called to say something about my s...

So I promised the boys a treehouse last spring and finally got around to it this past weekend. Grabbed some 2x8s from home depot, borrowed my buddy's circular saw, and we spent Saturday morning figuring out how to attach the support beams. My oldest is 8 and actually helped drill holes. The thing is...

Started something new last week where we all pray before dinner and my youngest actually volunteered a prayer last night. He prayed for his friend's dog who was sick and I just sat there trying not to tear up. It was such a simple moment but I felt like I was actually doing something that mattered a...

Just wanted to celebrate this small win. We've been struggling with feeding for weeks and our daughter finally figured it out yesterday. My wife cried happy tears and honestly I did too. The lactation consultant said everything was fine but nothing beats seeing her actually eat without pain. Feeling...

Started using this with my ex and it's been a game changer honestly. Everything goes through there now, no more texts that get misunderstood or forgotten screenshots. It tracks all communication and has a shared calendar so there's no more 'you didn't tell me about that'. Yeah it costs a bit but way...

Finally got around to building that workbench I've been planning for like 6 months. Got 2 hours of peace while the kids were at their mom's and just went to town. Solid wood, proper vise, organized tool storage. It's not fancy but it's mine and now I can actually work on projects without using the k...

I don't regret leaving but man I miss the simple stuff. I miss not having to plan my entire life around pickup schedules. I miss my kids being in one house. I miss sleeping past 6am on my off days without worrying about being ready for pickup. I miss my family dinner time being just natural instead ...

I provide for my family, I'm there most evenings and weekends, but I still feel like I'm failing because I'm not there for every moment. My wife says I'm being ridiculous but the mom guilt I see her describe sometimes, I feel a version of that. Like I should be making more money OR spending more tim...

So our custody order locks us into a pretty rigid 50/50 split during school year. Kid wants to do a 2 week soccer camp this summer that would mess with the normal schedule. I asked my ex if we could swap some days around and she said we'd need to modify the agreement formally. That seems like total ...

My wife is breastfeeding and I feel kind of useless honestly. She's doing all the feeding and I'm trying to help by doing diapers and holding the baby after, but I feel like I'm not bonding with him the same way. Plus I see her struggling with latching issues and I can't really fix it. Any other dad...

Won't go into all the details but it was a long legal battle. I have my kids 50% of the time now which is what I wanted. The thing is I feel kind of guilty about it even though I know I did nothing wrong. My ex is telling people I 'took her kids away' and now my oldest is picking up on the tension. ...

My dad got me really into fishing as a kid and I haven't been in forever. Bought a decent rod and reel last month and went out to the local lake for the first time in ages. Caught a couple small bass and just sat there watching the water for hours. It was so quiet and peaceful. My kids want to come ...

Man, I don't even recognize the guy I was before my kids were born. I was that dude who'd wake up at 6am on Saturday to hit the gym, then grab beers with the guys until midnight. Had this whole identity wrapped up in being the "fun" friend who was always down for whatever. Now? I'm the dad who gets...

My 12 year old has been with his mom more and more. He used to love my weekends but now he keeps asking if he can skip. Found out his mom's new boyfriend is letting him play video games all night and doesn't give him chores. My place has rules and expectations. Custody agreement says I still get him...